Jota wanted to go back to Celtic. Brendan can get the best price in January sales.

Jota left Celtic at the top of the summer transfer window and, at first glance, his mega-million pound Saudi Pro League switch seemed like a dream come true, but since his arrival in the Middle East, it’s been anything but. More like a nightmare he relives when he’s awake, the Portuguese wing-back is on the fringes of Al-Idihad and always seems to be damaged goods.

It’s no secret that the Portuguese manager doesn’t have a high opinion of the talented wide-man, and reports are circulating that he’s no longer wanted by the club who paid £27 million for him in June. It’s unfortunate that things have worked out this way for the player, but it’s a stark reminder that the player’s development is more important than money every single day.

The former fans’ favourite is now facing a dark future in the game, with speculation surrounding his future with his new club just a few weeks after signing. It is a sad situation for a player who has the potential to become a world-class player.

Now it looks like he will have to be content with a role in the back of the team. Al-Ittihad’s al-Balawi said in an interview with Saudi television show Action Ya Dawry that the former Celtic would have relished the chance to return to Celtic Park only a few weeks after his premature departure from Glasgow. He added that if the coach was confident in the player, they would have played him regularly. Ahmed Al-Balawi added: “If the coach doesn’t want to play a foreign player who doesn’t play, such as Jota, or if he is embarrassed to play with him, he can choose Grohe.” (Daily Record).

The player would love to go back to Celtic, but he can’t. We’ve got Fenerbahce now. Grohe leaving is crazy. He’s a safety valve for the team. The first thing you need to do as a manager is find Jota a new club. He’s not ambitious enough. It’s unlikely Jota will be involved at a new club, so a compromise deal could see him head back to European football as a mega-rich young man in January. Celtic could be interested in buying the best bargains in the January sales at a fraction of the price Al-Itihad paid in the summer.

This could be a win-win situation for everyone involved, but one thing’s for sure – Jota is simply too good an individual not to play football. Bring back Brendan, bring back our Bhoy, and a cheeky little £2million offer will do the trick.